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(page 15-19) habitat effectiveness is expected to be maintained at the <br />minimum standard of 40~ after drilling operations take place. <br />4. While the potential for drilling into a water source which will surface <br />through the drill stem is possible, the likelihood of this occurring is <br />remote. Kathy Welt, MCC environmental permitting specialist, said she knew <br />of only 1 hole in this area where significant water was encountered and <br />that water was controlled at the location. In the event that water of this <br />nature were encountered, efforts would be made to control it at the well <br />head. If this approach failed, the water could be pumped off site using <br />hose and tanks, and disposed of at MCC's settling ponds. <br />A new condition of approval will be added that produced water must be <br />controlled at the well-head so as not to migrate off the drill pad. <br />Findings Required by Other Law <br />The Forest Plan has been reviewed and a determination made that this <br />decision is consistent with the Forest Plan. The actions in this project <br />comply fully with the goals of the Forest Plan and the Forest-wide <br />standards and guidelines (see Chapter III of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre <br />and Gunnison National Forests Land and Resource Management Plan). <br />Floodplain, wetlands, prime lands, threatened and endangered species, <br />minerals, and cultural resource management implications have been <br />considered; and these resources will not be adversely affected. <br />An estimated .14 acre feet of water will be depleted from the Colorado <br />River Basin which may impact the endangered Colorado equawfiah, bonytail <br />chub, hunpback chub and razorback sucker. The Forest Service will comply <br />with mitigation measures identified as "reasonable and prudent <br />alternatives" in the Biological Opinion issued by the U.S. Fish and <br />Wildlfie Service for this action. Theproposed water depletion of .14 acre <br />feet that could occur with approval of the coal exploration permit has <br />been submitted to the USFWS for consultation. <br />Implementation Date <br />This decision is effective immediately. <br />Appeal Opportunities <br />This decision is not subject to appeal pursuant to 36 CFR Part <br />215.8 (a)(4). <br />